The Geomap Project

Description

In 2008, a Geomap was installed at New Fancy Viewpoint, commissioned by the Forest of Dean Local History Society. This unique sculpture was created by David Yeates of Simply Stone and it is the only Geomap in the UK.

So...what is a Geomap?

A Geomap celebrates both the geological and the industrial history of the Forest of Dean. The complex geology of the region, formed over millions of year, produced the coal and iron depostis that miners have been extracting for at least two thousand years.

The map represents the geology of the Forest of Dean. Each layer of rock shown on Geomap is made from the actual rock it represents, taken from local quarries. Overlain on the map is the industrial history, demonstrating the link between the underlying geology and the great quarrying and mining industries of the past. In combining the two, it demonstrates the close relationship between them. It shows the location of 102 collieries, 35 iron mines and 49 stone quarries, as well as the main railway lines and three long-lived tramroads that were so important for the expansion of these industries in the nineteenth century.

Where is it?

The Geomap is located at New Fancy Viewpoint, an old spoil heap of the former New Fancy Colliery.

As well as being an ideal place to watch birds of prey there is also access to footpaths and cycleways. The Forest of Dean Local History Society have produced three industrial heritage Mines Trails leaflets, one of which leaves from New Fancy Viewpoint. Each walk is relatively easy and wherever possible follows good forest tracks and can be completed in two to three hours. The New Fancy Trail starts at the New Fancy car park and covers 9 mines including Wellington, Howbeach, Moseley Green, New Engine and Parkend. Further details.